Hi my name is Robert Goettle, I was born December 14, 1940 in rural Blaisdale and raised on our family farm. I was the 6th child born to Joseph and Helen (Mader) Goettle. Fun fact if you are reading this, I’m dead.  I grew up on the family farm where picking rock out of the field and dehydrated cow pies for use in heating our home was my least favorite thing.  When I was 17 I lied about my age to get off of the farm and joined the US Army {Airborne then later 1st Cavalry}. 

In 1961 I married Romona and to this union Ronald was born. We divorced in 1964. In 1968 I seen a woman I knew I would make my wife, only problem she hated my guts. What she didn’t know is I was a smooth operator and soon after we were married. I served 3 tours in Vietnam jumping from planes as agent orange rained down around us. Years later I was diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of this exposure. 

During my marriage to Christine (Bagdei) we had three children: Monica, Kim and Shane.  During my 23 years active duty I was able to see the world some of it bad but most of it good. Chris had to stay behind and raise the kids, but never once complained.   After I retired from the military, I accepted a private contract with Lockheed Martin and later with Dynacor where I became Chief Master Mechanic and was able to work on the aircraft I loved so much.  

Chris and I had 5 grandchildren Geoffrey, Justin, Savanna, Ashleigh, and Trey, and  ultimately 12 great grandchildren.

Chris died in October 2003 and nothing was the same. After 20 yrs as an aircraft mechanic and the passing of my wife of 35 years I retired and returned to North Dakota to resume farming, with the understanding I would not pick rock. Farming was my greatest pleasure, next to fishing. I enjoyed taking Geoff and Justin fishing, we were making memories but they didn’t know that at the time.  I hope they realize now.  I never got to take Trey fishing but I am waiting on the other side and one day  we will.

Approximately 3 years ago at the age of 81 after almost 20 yrs,I retired from farming and spent  my days with my dog and best friend Bubbles watching VIKING football, old westerns and NASCAR.  I joked I wouldn’t die until the Vikings won a Super Bowl, that might happen this season (who are we kidding)

In the last few months I looked forward to my visits with Trey always asking him where he was going to be this week and for him to send me photos and videos of his welding for the railroad. When I moved temporarily to Carrington to regain my strength in September, it allowed me to be closer to my daughter while phone calls from my boys Geoff (Gabby)and Justin made my days. Kim was constantly with me giving me hell ( as expected ). In the early morning hours of October 13th  without warning, I decided it was time to go, so I did…  Just know wherever I am there’s  Chevy trucks, John Deere tractors, no rocks in the fields,and I’m watching so clean up after yourself and make your bed.

I am preceded in death by my wife Christine, granddaughter Savanna, daughter Monica, my parents and all of my siblings

I am survived by my  best friend Bubbles who will live with my daughter (who never wanted another dog).  My daughter Kim (Malachi) of Carrington her son Trey (Bismarck)and bonus granddaughter Destiny (Jacksonville Florida)

Shane (Round Rock Texas) Geoffrey (Gabby) of Stanley and their children in common Christine,  and Hannah, Justin (Kelly) of Minot children Chandler, Jaxen and Braxton. Ashleigh (Murfreesboro Tennessee) her children Aiden, Beckett and Jaylen.

Per my request there will be no service, if you didn’t come see me when I was alive no reason to show up now, I won’t know you are there. My ashes along with my wife’s will be scattered at the location I have specified so that we can fly together one last time. Condolences should be sent to my daughter Kim in Carrington 

The family would like to thank GAM specifically Julie Hollingsworth Hawk, Julie Sherman and Roxi